Rachel Carter spent more than 10 years making 'sensible' choices. She left school, went to catering college and built a safe career for herself - but this was not her dream life. Artistically-inclined since birth, Rachel had always aspired to work within the creative industries, however until 2000, she hadn't been brave enough to take the plunge into this high risk sector. Rachel began to explore the arts, firstly with an A'Level in Fine Art and then with a Foundation Course in Fine Art. Finally, with one child and another on the way, Rachel signed up to a 3D Sustainable Design and Practice programme at The University of Derby and supported by her husband who gave up his full time job to work part-time and become a house husband, Rachel worked her way through her degree and passed with a 2:1 in June 2007.

Now an innovative award-winning sculptor based at Shed 2 Studios in Derbyshire, the nature of Rachel's work is to design and create sculptural pieces for a garden or landscape setting using mild steel and willow. Rachel mixes her love of art and design, with her passion for the garden and the environment.

In addition to her commission work, Rachel runs a community-based programme as a visiting artist. Rachel teaches and demonstrates a variety of workshops assist others in the creation of natural sculptures, across a variety of age groups and abilities.

Rachel's work has been enjoyed at exhibitions and venues across the country and Rachel has been invited to return to exhibit at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2011.